Mumbai FC continues its winning streak

KOLKATA: Mumbai FC continued its remarkable run beating East Bengal by a solitary goal in its second outing in the I-League football at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Tuesday. The Mumbai side, which is barely into the second season since its inception, produced the second upset after defeating Mohun Bagan three days ago.

Ghana’s Felix Aboagye struck in the 23rd minute to give the lead for Mumbai FC. The second round win helped Mumbai FC continue its stay at the top of the 12-team order.

East Bengal remained with the three points it collected beating Chirag United in the opener.

Tactical acumen


Mumbai FC’s reign definitely underlined the tactical acumen of its English coach David Booth, who had helped the team qualify to the elite stage of the competition. The visitor showed it had done its homework well while preparing for the tournament.

This was amply proved when Felix Aboagye converted a regular freekick into the goal.

The Ghanaian recruit chested down a lowly set Riston Rodrigues freekick, made a sharp turn inside to clear his marker East Bengal defender Khelemba Singh and lobbed the ball into the net over an onrushing Subrata Paul, the East Bengal custodian.

East Bengal expected that its cast of national team players would show the required precision. But that did not happen as Sunil Chhetri found his header off a curling Renedy Singh corner cleared from the goal-line by Mumbai FC midfielder Subhas Chakraborty.

Wayward


Mehrajuddin Wadoo was even more wayward sending his shot wildly over a gaping goal after Brazilian striker Edmilson Marques fetched the ball back into visitor’s box retrieving Chakraborty’s clearance.

East Bengal had two more chances to equalise after the goal. East Bengal coach Stanley Rozario tried to bring some life into the attack replacing Edmilson with Ashim Biswas in the second session.

The change hardly seemed to help the host as misses continued unabated.

The Mumbai FC goalkeeper Kalyan Choubey put up a good performance saving three close attempts by Chhetri and Renedy Singh.

Source-Hindu.com

I-League Preview: East Bengal – Mumbai FC

What? : I-League Match Day Two. Where? : Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. When? : 18.30 Hours IST.

East Bengal faces Mumbai FC in the opening fixture of round two of the I-League at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata later this evening.

East Bengal

Whatever demons were haunting the East Bengal side, the fans hoped that with the new coach in Stanley Rosario, they would be driven away.

It did in the first game but it will be too soon to start applauding the Kolkata side. They top the I-League table after round one but their opening encounter was against Chirag United.

Not that Chirag are a poor side but without their foreigners, they looked a second string side. Agreed that it was the same Chirag side which beat East Bengal a few weeks back, but such results aren’t to be expected every week.

Three early goals, each from defensive mistakes by Chirag United back four, meant East Bengal would cruise to victory but that wasn’t to be as they weren’t as sharp in the second half as in the first.

The ploy of playing Yakubu in the midfield worked for Stanley Rosario. Renedy Singh and Surkumar Singh were exceptional and so, was Chhetri.

Consistency has been an issue with East Bengal and they need to keep the winning momentum going in order to be considered as the strong contenders for the title.

Mumbai FC

The spirit in this camp is high especially after the 2-1 victory over Mohun Bagan in their opening I-League fixture. It wasn’t that they struggled to victory or were under par to Bagan.

Nor can one say that Bagan had a poor game. It was Mumbai FC who outthought the Kolkata League champions and came out with three points.

At the start of the league, no one would have billed them as favourites and the ‘underdog’ tag seems to have worked for them. They have quietly been working and came out with a strong performance.

The most notable being Aseem and Subhash, on the flanks, as they provided good service to their foreign strikers.

But it’s just one game and as David Booth said, of taking each game at a time, if they stick to this mantra then they can surely surprise everyone. This is the biggest plus of having an experienced coach who can keep the boys motivated as well as grounded in reality.

Form Guide

Mohun Bagan

26th September ’08 East Bengal 3-1 Chirag United (I-League)

12th September East Bengal 1-1 Mohun Bagan (Kolkata League)

8th September East Bengal 3-1 Peerless (Kolkata League)

Mumbai FC

27th September ’08 Mohun Bagan 1-2 Mumbai FC (I-League)

2nd September ’08 Mumbai FC 0-1 Army XI (Durand Cup)

31st August ’08 Mahindra United 1-1 Mumbai FC (Durand Cup)

Team News

East Bengal are still without Alvito D’Cunha while Dharamjit Singh is also working on his fitness. Sunil Chhetri, who suffered a knock on his ankle in the opening game and hasn’t trained ever since, shall most probably be missing the game. Mumbai FC have a few niggling injuries but nothing notable.

Key Players

Yusif Yakubu operating from the middle of the park does sound odd but it worked for the Red and Gold’s in the opening game. He scored one and created the other. Mumbai FC need to keep his quiet.

Riston Rodrigues wasn’t talked about much in the Mumbai FC victory over Mohun Bagan but the Goan player has been a vital addition to David Booth’s side.

Key Areas

East Bengal would have to dominate the midfield and stop the supply for the Mumbai FC strikers. While East Bengal employs the traditional wingers who would stand and deliver the crosses, Mumbai FC have fast and quick players on the flanks.

The contrast in their playing style promises to be an entertaining encounter only if the pitch stays true. The Indian Football Association (IFA), which is the state football association of Bengal, and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) have realised the woeful conditions of Barasat and have shifted the game instead to Salt Lake Stadium.


Source:Goal.com

I-League: Air India, Mohammedan Share The Spoils

Air India would be happy to come off with a point in an away fixture against Mohammedan Sporting in a 1-1 draw at the Barasat Stadium, Kolkata in their opening I-League fixture.

Surojit Roy’s first half strike was cancelled out by Mohammedan Sporting Theodore Sunday after the break as the two sides shared the spoils.

Mohammedan Sporting had the majority of the possession in the first half but failed to carve out any creative move which left them frustrated.

The Kolkata League runners-up saw most of the ball in the initial moments but were guilty of giving away the possession way too easily.

The first chance of the match fell Air India’s way as an Uttam Singh throw-in was headed by new recruit Emmanuel Ovieghara to the far post only for Mohammedan skipper Naseem Akhtar to clear.

This prompted a swift counter attack led by Mike Okoro which finally ended in Theodore Sunday’s shot being saved by an alert Air India number one Arup Debnath.

By now, Mohammedan Sporting were completely sloppy and played with a lackadaisical attitude which saw Air India growing in confidence and going forward. Surojit Roy and Michael Tayo were working hard and dominated the play in the middle of the park.

Air India attacked once again through an Uttam Singh throw-in with Ovieghara’s shot on the turn being wide. In a fine move initiated by Ovieghara from the center line, Michael Tayo’s touch gave Surojit Roy the opportunity to put his side ahead and which he gladly did to leave the Mohammedan Sporting players look each other as to whom to blame.

A few minutes later, Adebayo’s mistake was capitalized by Michael Tayo and his long range grounder missed the post by not far. Mohammedan Sporting defenders were allowing too much space to Surojit, Soccor and Ovieghara as they ran with the ball unchallenged.

The 37th minute saw Theodore get the possession after a Ravinder Singh slip, however, the chance was wasted in the final third. Jothi Kumar had another chance but he sent his ball into the orbit.

Air India could have added another before half time as Surojit Roy’s shot on the turn from just at the edge of the box went over the bar.

The second half saw the Black and Whites come out stronger and showed more purpose in their build-up. Adebayo was in thick of the action.

Air India’s substitute Subhash Singh instantly made an impact with his left footed floater being fingered out by goalkeeper Naseem Akhtar.

Napoleon Singh gave away a needless free kick as he tackled Jothi Kumar. Theodore Sunday was given too much space in the box and he coolly finished from the resultant free kick in the 59th minute.

The 72nd minute saw Ravinder Singh’s cross being met by a Subhash Singh header at the near post by a brilliant save by Naseem Akhtar saved the day for the home side.

Air India midfielder Michael Tayo worked tirelessly and and it was his timely challenge inside the box on Adebayo which cleared he imminent danger.

The very next minute, substitute Gautam Thakur had ample of space of time after getting the ball inside the box from a corner kick but his final shot was poor.

Mohammedan Sporting shall be disappointed having dropped two points at home. Air India would be the happier of the two sides though they could have avoided conceding the equalizer.

Final Score: 1-1.

Goalscorer Air India: Surojit Roy (23rd)

Goalscorer Mohammedan: Theodore Sunday (59th)

Source:Goal.com

Dominant Dempo Shocked At Home By JCT

The defending champions Dempo have lost their opening I-League fixture to JCT at the Pandit Jawarharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa despite dominating the game. It was the brilliance of JCT custodian Karanjit Singh who thwarted almost every Dempo attack which was enough for the Punjab side to snap up vital three points. Final Score: 2-1

If one was to mention every Dempo attack, this report would be endless. JCT goalkeeper Karanjt Singh touched the ball far more than his strikers which only gives a glimpse of the way the game went.

This is the first time Dempo have been beaten at home in over more a year in the top division and no guesses for who they went down to the last time. JCT beat Dempo 3-2 in the 2006-07 season at the same venue on 12th April '07. Dempo went undefeated at home throughout the last campaign and only lost two games to Mahindra United (Match Day 12) and East Bengal (Match day 13)

First Half

Dempo began their I-League campaign with a full strength side. JCT fielded the usual playing XI with striker Balwant Singh coming on for the now East Bengal player Sunil Chhetri. Gurwinder and Baldeep Senior took the responsibilities in the middle of the park where they had the reliable playmaker Marcos.

After the few initial touches, the home side got into the groove with Beto’s intercepting pass finding Ranti Martins, whose final shot wasn’t worth a mention. JCT played as a strong unit and helped each other out in difficult situations.

Right winger Baljit Saini was in good touch and would get forward at every given opportunity. On receiving the ball from Eduardo, Baljit’s strike went just outside goalkeeper Abhijit Mondal’s right post.

Beto was getting more involved and his shot on the turn went wide. A minute later, the Brazilian was at it again, as he used the open space given to him, to strike a fierce left footed shot which almost went in.

Then came the moment when JCT took the lead as Eduardo took the ball on his chest and the very next moment struck it hard with deft placement to find the back of the net. Daljit Singh’s cross was pin point and Clifford Miranda was found wanting in the defence.

The goal sprung Dempo into action as from then on, there was only one-way traffic. Climax Lawrence’s floater found Ranti Martins’ whose first time shot was well stopped by JCT custodian Karanjit Singh.

Dempo came forward in numbers while JCT defended in numbers. Striker Mboyo Iyomi went pastJulius Akpele and his cross was missed by Beto only for Clifford to slash it over the top.

A brilliant move involving Climax, Beto and Ranti ended in Mboyo being in an one-on-one situation but an alert Karanjit Singh came out and averted the danger.

In the 39th minute, an Anthony Pereira flag kick saw Mboyo’s header being fisted away by Karanjit. At this point, the two wingers – Clifford Miranda and Anthony Pereira switched their positions hoping that it would get them the breakthrough.

Climax Lawrence’s shot was deflected by Gurwinder Singh for a corner a little later. In the injury time of the first half, Ranti Martins could have scored after taking the ball on his chest but just as he was to unleash his shot, defender Anwar Ali showed his class and cleared the ball away.

JCT have defended well in the first half and kept Dempo strikers at bay.

Second Half

The second half saw Dempo replace goalkeeper Abhijit Mondal for Sathish Kumar while JCT got in Jagpreet for Baldeep Junior. But that had no change in the proceedings as Dempo continued to attack where JCT were seen in their own half. Nicolau Borges came in for Clifford Miranda and added more versatility to the attack.

Anthony Pereira was fouled at the edge of the Dempo box on the right but the resultant freekick taken By Beto was easily cleared by the boys from Punjab. Climax, Beto and Mboyo played some one touch football for the Congolese striker to strike from inside the box to see his shot being cleared by Jaspal, which went only as far as Ranti Martins. The Nigerian’s header was well saved by Karanjit Singh.

JCT’s Balwant Singh, who made his debut in the top division, scored the second goal for his side with a cool finish after receiving the pass from Baljit Saini. It felt that this was the final nail in the coffin but that wasn’t to be as Dempo completely took control of the match thereafter.

Thirteen minutes from full time, Dempo did manage to pull one back through substitute Nicolau Borges who scored from an acute angle to beat Karanjit Singh off a Beto cross. Two minutes later, Nicolau found himself in a similar position but was denied by Jaspal and Karanjit Singh.

Former Churchill Brothers striker Mboyo Iyomi cut inside from the left and sent in a goalwards bound shot but was blocked by his own man Ranti Martins. Beto’s header went wide from a Valeriano Rebello cross.

JCT were giving away the ball cheaply whenever they did manage to touch the ball. Left back Samir Naik’s power packed right footer was punched over the bar by goalkeeper Karanjit Singh for a corner.

The best chance for Dempo to equalize befell Mboyo Iyomi, after finding himself alone in the box off a Anthony Pereira corner kick, he sent the ball into the orbit. Coach Armando Colaco couldn’t believe his eyes and so did every Dempo player on the pitch.

Karanjit Singh was brought into action once again as he flipped an Anthony Pereira lofted cross over the bar.

The match ended with the 2-1 scoreline and Dempo would wonder how did they not manage to find the back of the net on a number of occasions. They created innumerable chances but failed to make the most of it.

JCT would consider themselves lucky to come out of the game with full three points. The 90 minutes seemed longer to them and it was their resilience under pressure which stunned the defending champions. Credit to JCT custodian Karanjit Singh and his backline comprising of Jaspal, Anwar, Julius and Daljit for soaking all the Dempo attacks.

Final Score: 2-1

Goalscorers JCT: Eduardo Da Silva (17th) and Balwant Singh (63rd)

Goalscorer Dempo: Nicolau Borges (77th)

Source:Goal.com

Mumbai FC Shock Mohun Bagan

The I-League has seen it’s first upset in the second day as newcomers Mumbai FC shocked Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan 2-1 at the Barasat Stadium, Kolkata and thus win their first ever game in the top division.


Mumbai FC have surprised everyone with their performance and the chinks in the Mohun Bagan defence are now apparent. The second division winners played out of their skin as they took the game to Mohun Bagan right from the start.

Whoever said that Cooperage wasn't fit to host the I-League games needs to visit the Barasat Stadium or at least switch on their television sets. Damp ground with the ball being held, reminded sights of the Gachibowli Stadium during the recent AFC Challenge Cup. The pitch was heavy and surely hosting two games in successive days on this stadium looks questionable to say the least.

The Mumbai FC strike force – Abel Hammond and Felix Aboagye troubled the Green and Maroon and the Kolkata team’s back four had no clue as to what had struck them. Bagan defence was in sixes and seven’s as they struggled at every attack by the opposition.

Bhaichung Bhutia almost scored on receiving Ishfaq Ahmed’s cross from the left but his shot went wide in the fourth minute.

Felix Aboagye did some good work and Abel Hammond scored the first of the night for Mumbai FC in the ninth minute. Mumbai FC’s bench were seen cheering while Bagan looked clueless.

The Ghanaian strikers terrorized Bagan and their brilliant coordination looked like they have been playing together since ages. Felix struck a shot which was saved by a limping Shilton Paul. The 20th minute saw Baretto’s header finding Bhaichung in some space inside the box but the latter took time and found his foot stuck before the defenders cleared the danger.

Four minutes later, Kulothungan scored off a fine move initiated by the strikers with Hammond sending in a fine ball for the former to score with a diving header.

Mumbai FC goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey saved his side with his fingers as Baretto’s shot was almost on its way into the goal.

Baretto, on two occasions, could have scored but the damp ground conditions didn’t help as on both occasions he slipped. Felix Aboagye could have rubbed more misery on Bagan after Aseem was allowed to run unchallenged into the box.

Ishfaq Ahmed came close as he cut inside Anas and his final shot was stopped by the mud much to the pleasure of Kalyan Chaubey. James and Bhaichung had another chance at the stroke of half time but the final header by the latter went wide.

The second half saw the Green and Maroon come out stronger and had a good first 10 minutes following which they once again seemed to have lost their way.

Bagan were lucky as they didn’t concede a penalty when Deepak Mondal tackled Abel Hammond inside the box but the referee missed it. Rakesh Masih came close to scoring off a flagkick. Bagan coach Karim Bencherifa had played all his cards with his three substitutions by the 64th minute.

Substitute Lalwampuia, who was in good touch in the Kolkata League, pulled one back for his side in the 77th minute after he foxed two defenders to unleash a killer left footed shot. The Kolkata giants threw all their men upfront and could have added another when Bhaichung headed wide off a Mohanraj cross.

Just three minutes from time, Bagan were unlucky not to have restored parity in the game as Bhaichung’s ball hit the inside of the post and didn’t go in. This was after Monhanraj’s ball found Baretto who laid for the Indian skipper.

In the 90th minute, Riston’s freekick was headed towards Hammond by Abhishek Yadav but Bagan custodian Shilton Paul did well to collect it.

For Mohun Bagan, it was a disappointing evening and they need to go back into their training session and sort out the defence. The absence of third foreigner showed and the inclusion of Marcos Pereira for the next game would the necessary teeth into their attack.

Mumbai FC have every reason to celebrate as they won their opening game and showed their class. Their strikeforce of Felix and Hammond shall surely be the one to be feared in the league and the brilliance with which they played together as a unit, which was absent in their opposition, is a sign of good things to come.

Final Score: 2-1.

Goalscorers Mumbai FC: Abel Hammond (9th) and Kulothungan (24th)

Goalscorer Bagan: Lalwampuia (77th)

Source:Goal.com

Odafa's Brilliance Sinks Mahindra

Odafa Okolie celebrated his son's birthday in style as he netted twice for Churchill Brothers and thus snap up the three points against Mahindra United in their opening I-League fixture at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa. Final Score: 2-1.

Churchill brothers enjoyed much of the possession but the free flowing football was missing in the first half. Mahindra United were content to defend and looked to trouble with the home side with some long range efforts.

The first opportunity of the match befell Mahindra United as Douhou's ball was taken on the volley by a rushing Steven Dias to slot it wide in the sixth minute. A couple of minutes Robert Lalthampuana sprung into action but was challenged at the edge of the box by an alert Sushant Matthew to avert the danger.

Churchill skipper Odafa Okolie sprung into action as he brushed aside two Mahindra defenders and just as he was to pull the trigger, N.P.Pradeep's challenge saved his side from going down. The home side were guilty on squandering the possession easily and on one such occasion had to pay the price. Sushant Matthew's attempt from the right was fisted away by Churchill custodian Arindam Bhattacharya after the former won the second ball off a Chidi Edeh cross.

Steven Dias suffered a heavy tackle and was seen limping mid-way through the first half. Odafa had another great chance but his final shot went wide after Mahindra goalkeeper Subashish Chowdhary came out to stop the shot.Mahindra United allowed Churchill Brothers too much space on the right as Zenith made some good runs and found Justin Stephen out of place.Churchill centre backs Gourmangi and Govin Singh did their job with ease and didn't give Chidi or Douhou much to do.In the second minute of the first half injury time, Khan Thang Paite had a brilliant opportunity to change the scoreline but his shot went across the face of the goal as he aimed for the second post.

The second half began with Churchill brothers looking livelier and their midfield playing further upfront to support the two strikers. Felix Chimaokwu dropped back for the build-up as opposed to being in the box for the home side. Mahindra coach Derrick Pereira brought Izumi Arata for Steven Dias who wasn't at his best especially after the first half knock in the ankle.

The first goal of the match came in the 61st minute as Kalu passed for Odafa inside the box who cut inside defender Justin Stephen to send in a powerful left footed strike in the near post to beat goalkeeper Subashish Chowdhary. 'Happy Birthday to Odafa Junior' was the message on Odafa's vest as he celebrated his first goal of the new season.

Mohamed Rafi was substituted for Sushil Kumar as the former was hardly involved in the game. The substitution clicked for Mahindra as he equalised for the Red Devils seven minutes from time from a Douhou freekick. Churchill's defence was at fault for allowing too much space inside the area for Sushil to head. The match suddenly was brought to life and both teams weren't satisfied with an increasingly imminent draw.

Then came the moment of the match in the 88th minute as Odafa Okolie proved why he is the considered the best foreign player in the league. A cracking shot from 20 yards out into the top corner which gave goalkeeper Subashish Chowdhary absolutely no chance to save. Mahindra United and the crowd were shell shocked and Odafa celebrated his second of the day.Churchill could have added a third in the extra time when Naoba Singh's cross was cleared by Dhanraj Ravanan before Jaison Valles could strike from close range.

Mahindra United would be disappointed to drop all points after coming back into the game thanks to the Sushil Kumar header. However, nothing to take away from Churchill Brothers who enjoyed the better possession and it was the brialliance of Odafa which won the game for them.

Serbian coach Zoran has made a winning start to his campaign and it seems that the low morale of the team would be a thing of the past.

Final Score: 2-1

Goalscorers Churchill: Odafa Okolie (61st and 88th)
Goalscorer Mahindra: Sushil Kumar (83rd)

Source:Goal.com

East Bengal defeat debutants United SC 3-1

BARASAT: Call it the Bob Houghton effect. The national coach's understudy, Stanely Rozario, injected some much-needed confidence into the red-and-gold side as a spirited East Bengal pumped in three goals inside 30 minutes to open their ONGC I-League campaign with a 3-1 win over debutants United SC at the Vidyasagar Krirangan Stadium near Kolkata on Friday.

Rozario, who replaced Manoranjan Bhattacharya after East Bengal's poor third-place finish in the recently concluded Calcutta Football League (CFL), seemed to have found the right combination as his charges went in for the attack right from the start.

Had it not been for some excellent defending by R Dhanaranjan, East Bengal would have gone one up right at the start.

India striker Sunil Chhetri was then presented with an easy chance but the diminutive striker sent his shot into orbit after collecting the ball from Edmilson Marques.

East Bengal's another national player Renedy Singh too missed one, failing to convert a free-kick.

The city giants' moment of glory came in the ninth minute when Surkumar Singh blasted one into United SC's net that saw shoddy handiwork by keeper Arindam Ghosh.

The United SC goalkeeper got both his hands to the long shot from Surkumar but his effort fell short as East Bengal went ahead.

Rozario's "key man" Yusif Yakubu compounded miseries for United as in the space of 10 minutes East Bengal found themselves cosily-placed at 2-0.

Playing the role of an attacking midfielder in the absence of Alvito d'Cunha, Jayanta Sen and Dharamjeet Singh, the 35-year-old lived up to the coach's expectation as Rozario had already indicated that the Nigerian will play the role of a playmaker.

The two-time NFL top-scorer, Yakubu who represented Mahindra United last season, produced a clinical header using a measured Rennedy cross in the 19th minute to open his account in red-and-gold jersey.

Having missed a couple of easy chances, Sunil, the hat-trick man of the AFC Challenge Cup final, was bang on target in the 27th minute.

Zeroing in on a midfield lapse following Arnab Mondal's poor footwork, the former JCT striker shot one past an advancing Arindam to bring in his first goal for East Bengal.

Sunil was later adjudged Man-of-the-Match. In contrast to the free-flowing first half, the second-half saw a very slow paced attack from East Bengal, who took it very easily for about half an hour after the changeover.

Under former Mohun Bagan veteran Subroto Bhattacharya, known for his fighting spirit, United SC regrouped and created a few chaces in the second-half.

Sankar Oraon impressed most in the second session coming close on more than one occasions.

Finally, lady luck did smile on him when his strong left-footer completely deceived national goalkeeper Subrata Pal, who found himself stranded as United SC reduced the margin.

From East Bengal's point of view, who went in for the kill right from the start, the second-half must have disappointed Rozario as the team seemed exhausted.

Sunil blamed it on the slippery ground condition due to heavy rainfall for the past few days.

"It was a good first half... But the condition was very bad. But we are happy for the fact that we went as per our plans," Sunil said.

Praising Rozario, he added, "He has made wonderful changes to the team... He brought in a lot of fresh ideas to the team. It will take time to get the result. We will improve with the matches."

THE TEAMS

East Bengal: Subrata Pal; Surkumar Singh, Suley Musah, Nirmal Chhetri, Saumik Dey; Syed Rahim Nabi, Mehrajuddin Wadao, Yusif Yakubu, Renedy Singh (Mehtab Hussain 58'); Edmilson Marques (Ashim Biswas 85'), Sunil Chhetri (Praveen Kumar 90+2).

United SC: Arindam Ghosh; Sasthi Duley (Subhashish Roy Chowdhury 12'), Kingshuk Debnath, Dulal Biswas (Sukhen Dey 83'), R Dhanarajan, Gauranga Dutta, Arnab Mondal, Lalmalswama Hmar (Hardip Singh Saini 49'), Snehashish Chakraborty, Ayan Chowdhury, Sankar Oraon.

ONGC Man-of-the-Match: Sunil Chhetri (East Bengal)

Yellow Cards: Rennedy Singh (56') and Nirmal Chhetri (57') (both East Bengal); Arnab Mondal (49') and Subhashish Roy Chowdhury (90') (both United SC).

Referee: S Suresh (Tamil Nadu).

Source:Timesofindia.com

Sporting defeat Vasco 1-0 in ONGC I-League opener

MARGAO: A late goal in the stoppage time by Nigerian Junior Obagbemiro guided Sporting Clube De Goa to a solitary goal-win over Vasco Sports Club in the inaugural match of the Second ONGC I-League played at Nehru Stadium here on Friday.

With both the teams failing to dish out an entertaining game, Junior managed to break the dead lock in the stoppage time with a low shot into the net off a cross from defender Chandrashekhar Chinta.

Vasco, who played well in patches, was close to scoring twice, once in each half but their forwards failed to direct their shots on target.

Vasco's defender Covan Lawerence, who played a crucial role, was declared the man of the match.

Sporting, who finished sixth last year, dominated the first 25 minutes in the first half and came close to scoring when A Joychandra Singh failed to beat Vasco's keeper Laxmikant Kattimani and later Joseph Pareira managed to deflect a cross from the right by Wilton Gomes, that hit the cross bar.

Vasco, who returned to the elite league after a gap of three years, came with counter moves and had two clear chances to take the lead.

Young promising Agnelo D'souza intercepted a through pass from Menine Fernandes to the left, raced into the box and let go a firm right footer, which keeper Felix D'Souza parried from close.

Felix again came to Sporting's rescue three minutes before the lemon-break when he managed to put out a shot that Abhishek Yadav deflected off a pass from Fernandes.

Sporting continued to hold territorial advantage after the change of ends but was not able to get past the rival defence where Covan Lawerence excelled.

Defender Chinta, who moved up on the left, sent a cross to Junior Obagbemiro, who controlled the ball before sending a stiff grounder to find the net.

Vasco's Abhishek Yadav was shown the yellow card by referee Minangshu Bhattacharya.

Source:Timesofindia.com

The I-League Kicks-Off, Are You Aware?

The I-League is set to enter its second season today. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has scheduled all the games on weekends in its bid to give enough rest to the teams and attract more crowds to the stadium.

The league is being conducted in four cities or states – Goa, Kolkata, Mumbai and Hoshiarpur. While having the games on weekends ensure a longer league, as opposed to be the crammed schedule of last season where the teams didn’t have breathing space between two games.

The players would get enough recovery time and the coaches would be in a better position with their selection issues and injury worries in the squad.

“This is a good sign as it helps us as a player to have more time before the next game. The coaches also can plan in a better way as they can focus on each opponent,” says Mumbai FC’s Abhishek Yadav.

With the games on weekend, a football fan in India would have to decide between the English Premier League (EPL) and the I-League. Take this weekend for example, Mohun Bagan face Mumbai FC at the Barasat Stadium while Manchester United take on Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford.

Most fans would opt for the latter option as it promises a good coverage, better quality football, and there is a good amount of advertisement done for the same. Of course, for the I-League to match the standard of football in the EPL would take time; but what can definitely be done is that the game be advertised in every nook and corner.

Give an option to the football lovers in India and let them be aware that there is something called as an ‘I-League!’ I came across quite a lot of football fans who aren’t aware of the I-League and don’t know as to when the matches are being broadcasted.

Coach Bob Houghton had earlier made an interesting point.

“Blanket coverage of the English Premier League does not favour us. I have noticed that certain leagues in Asia have suffered because of Premiership domination and coverage. People here wear Manchester United and Chelsea shirt but not Dempo shirt.

”We would love to watch better games but to have five live games every weekend is not good. Comparison between the Premier League and the I-League does not favour us.”

My point is how would anybody buy a Dempo shirt if they don’t see them playing every week in and out. If they don’t know who is playing in Dempo, why would anyone be interested?

Most fans in India follow stars than the clubs. Generally when you ask someone which club you gun for, the answer would be, “I love Arsenal because of Fabregas or I love Manchester United because of Ronaldo.”

Bollywood personalities or, in American lingo, socialites have an opinion on almost everything. I had seen an interview of a famous Bollywood star during the Euro 2008 where he mentions the names of ‘Bhaichung and Chhetri’ as amongst his favourite Indian stars.

I am pleased to know that Bhaichung and Chhetri’s names were taken but can they name any other player? Not that the Indian striking duo aren’t the best but they are the only recognizable faces and certainly, you would receive the same answer if you question another celebrity.

Indian players aren’t well known. Please don’t blame the media as they have done their part. Almost all the major news dailies have had a good build-up for the I-League. But is that enough? There are no banners to be seen, no billboards, no posters and much more. The marketing aspect has been completely missing except for some odd ad on Zee Sports, the official broadcaster, with Sunil Chhetri and Alvito D’Cunha.

Zee Sports is primarily available only to those who have a Dish TV connection which automatically narrows the reach. Dish TV doesn’t provide Neo Sports, which broadcasts all the cricket games played in India. Cricket being the number one sport, there is no question that a sports fan wouldn’t opt for Dish TV unless he or she is completely hooked onto Indian football.

The question arises as to who would spend on the marketing and without saying, everyone would point the other. With such an attitude it would be hard to compete.

Everyone wants corporate investment in football. Why would anyone want to invest, if they don’t get the value for their money? The I-League would continue to have ONGC as its official sponsor and thast would be it.

I am not being critical but if that helps then why not? Just an hour away from the kick-off, I hope everything is sorted for the better and I-League becomes popular. I am waiting for everthing to fall in it's place and I pray that this wait isn't as long as 'Waiting For Godot!'

I hope...

By..Rahul Bali.

Courtsey--Goal.com

I-league schedule

Kingfisher’s East Bengal (KEB) will take on debutant Chirag United in the inaugural match in the second edition of the I-League football tournament at the Barasat Stadium in Kolkata on September 26.

On the opening day, Vasco will meet Sporting Clube de Goa (SCG) in Panaji, Goa, in another encounter, according to the draw released by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Monday.

So far, nine rounds of matches have been released and dates of the next two rounds will be decided after finalising an opponent for a friendly match for the national team.

The draw:

Round I: Sept 26: KEB vs Chirag (Barasat, Kolkata); Vasco vs SCG (Panaji, Goa), Sept 27: Mohun Bagan vs Mumbai FC (Barasat); Churchill Bros vs Mahindra Utd (Panaji), Sept 28: Mohd Sporting vs Air India (Barasat); Dempo vs JCT (Panaji).

Round II: Sept 30: KEB vs MFC (Barasat); Oct 2: Vasco vs JCT (Panaji); Oct 3: MB vs AI (Barasat); Oct 4: SCG vs MS (Panaji); MU vs Chirag (Mum); Oct 5: CB vs Dempo (Panaji)

Round III: Oct 11: JCT vs MS (Ludhiana); MU vs MFC (Mum); SCG vs MB (Panaji, Goa); Oct 12: Chirag vs CB (Barasat, Kol); AI vs KEB; Dempo vs Vasco (Panaji)

Round IV: Oct 18: JCT vs MU (Ludhiana); AI vs Chirag; KEB vs Vasco (Yuva Bharati Krirangana, Kolkata); MFC vs Dempo; Oct 19: MS vs MB (YBK); CB vs SCG (Panaji)

Round V: Oct 23: JCT vs Chirag (Ludhiana); Oct 24: MS vs MU (YBK); MFC vs SCG; Oct 25: MB vs KEB (YBK); Vasco vs CB (Panaji); Oct 26 : Dempo vs AI (Panaji)

Round VI: Oct 31: Dempo vs MB (Panaji); Nov 1: Chirag vs SCG (YBK); AI vs MFC; Vasco vs MU (Panaji); Nov 2: CB vs JCT (Panaji), MS vs KEB (YBK).

Round VII: Nov 7: KEB vs MU (YBK); Nov 8: MFC vs Vasco; Dempo vs SCG (Panaji); Chirag vs MS (YBK); Nov 9: MB vs CB (YBK); AI vs JCT

Round VIII: Nov 14: MS vs Vasco (YBK); MU vs AI; Nov 15: KEB vs SCG (YBK); CB vs MFC (Panaji); Nov 16: MB vs JCT (YBK); Dempo vs Chirag (Panaji)

Round IX: Nov 18: CB vs AI (Panaji); Nov 19: MU vs SCG; Nov 22: JCT vs KEB (Ludhiana); Nov 20: MS vs Dempo (YBK); Vasco vs MB (Panaji); Nov 21: Chirag vs MFC (YBK).

I-League Weekend Preview

Some teams haven’t had their foreigners while many are yet to register their final squad with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). While some are criticizing the AIFF for failing to promote the game and make it professional, the I-League starts amongst all this conundrum.

Sporting Club De Goa – Vasco SC (26th September ’08, Goa)

The opening day has two fixtures with the first being newly promoted Vasco SC take on Sporting Club De Goa. The Goan derby won’t hold much promise and expect a drub affair between the two.

Vasco SC haven’t done really well in the Goa League and the team finished fourth in the second division league last season; and just about managed to qualify for the I-League. The club appointed Elvis Goes as their head coach just about a week back and to expect him to change the club’s fortunes right from the word go would be asking too much.

‘The Flaming Orange’ had a good time in the recent Durand Cup as they reached the semifinals without having any foreign players in their ranks. Last year’s coach Clifford Chukuwama is on the sidelines and several players are known to have a good understanding with him. Whether they accept the new man Vishwas Gaonkar favourably remains to be seen.

Don’t expect a cracking game but Sporting Club De Goa look to have an edge over their rivals in the experience department.

East Bengal – Chirag United (26th September ’08, Kolkata)

The second game of the opening day would see giants East Bengal face city rivals Chirag United at the Barasat Stadium in an evening kick-off.

East Bengal have been in the news for wrong seasons this summer. The transfer saga involving Steven Dias and N.P.Pradeep where they came out empty handed. Bad results in the Kolkata league coupled with events of stone pelting by fans. Manoranjan Bhattacharya resigned out of frustration and insiders believe that it was the officials who forced him to do so.

New coach Stanley Rosario has quite a huge task ahead of him in his bid to appease the fans and officials with good results. Whether he can or not, only time would tell.

Chirag United have had a mixed Kolkata League given the lack of foreign players though the sixth place finish must be disappointing. They were the first team to qualify for the I-League from the second division league. The lack of foreign players in tomorrow’s game could play a key role they have beaten the Red and Golds’ in the last clash by a 1-0 margin.

Expect Chirag United to dry out East Bengal’s attacks and the game would pretty much be decided on how long the newly promoted side could hold their opponents. Chirag would rely on counters and defensive errors by the East Bengal defense.

Mohun Bagan – Mumbai FC (27th September ’08, Kolkata)

The Kolkata League champions face second division winners on the second day at the Barasat Stadium.

Mohun Bagan would look to make amends for the woeful start last year, which saw them lose their first two fixtures at home. Playing at home would give them an edge and due to the recent triumph in the local league means the spirit would be high. With coach Karim Bencherifa known to be a keen promoter of the ‘attractive’ brand of football, whether Bagan can or would play that fashion remains to be seen.

Mumbai FC did well in the debut year to win the second division. If their Durand Cup performance was to go by, the team does need to work on key areas especially the defense, which looks meek. The strike force of Hammond and Felix could cause trouble but whether this team can play in the pressure-laden atmosphere of Kolkata would be tested.

The Green and Maroon hold an edge over Mumbai FC however, David Booth’s men might come out of the game with a point.
Churchill Brothers SC – Mahindra United (27th September ’08, Goa)

Certainly the match of the first round as Mahindra United play away against Churchill Brothers at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa.

Churchill Brothers have only just roped in the services of Serbian Zoran Djodjevic in place of Emeka Ezeugo who had a disastrous spell at the club. The Goan side have retained much of the same team last year which means there is a good coordination amongst them.

Last season’s runners-up would hope to continue from here they left but the sooner they forget the recent internal problems and play the free flowing football that one associated with them, the better.

Mahindra United suffered two heavy losses against Churchill Brothers last season. So much so that many of their players labeled the 5-1 loss at Cooperage as the worst point in their career.

The Red Devils beat Churchill Brothers in the finals of the Durand Cup recently but the ‘Odafa Okolie’ threat always looms. The game could go either way but much would depend on how Mahindra deal with the Churchill strikers. The absence of new defender Lamine Tamba could be a decisive factor.

Dempo SC – JCT (28th September ’08, Goa)

This is the other big game of the opening round between last season’s winners Dempo and third placed JCT.

If there is one team which is on cloud number nine then it has to be Dempo. Being the first team to reach the semifinals of the AFC Cup days back, the champions have to shrug off their travel blues and get back to work. The team is fully fit and coach Armando Colaco is spoilt for choices.

JCT had a woeful record in Goa last year as they could garner a mere two points from four games in Goa. They haven’t won against Dempo and were beaten by the brilliance of Climax Lawrence’s two goals. The absence of Brazilian Marcos Pereira could hurt but coach Sukhwinder Singh has been around for too long and certainly would have some tricks up his sleeve.

Dempo are the hot favourites going into the game but JCT are one side that can outshine anyone on their day.

Mohameddan Sporting – Air India (29th September ’08, Kolkata)

The rescheduled game between Kolkata giants Mohameddan Sporting and Air India on Monday would cap off the opening round fixtures.

Mohameddan Sporting have done fairly well in the Kolkata League and whether they can continue the good run in the I-League remains to be seen. In strikers Mike Okoro and Theodore Sunday, the team has one of the most lethal combinations upfront. Sunday, in particular, has impressed with his 11 goals in the local league and finished as the top scorer.

With a host of key players making an exit, Air India haven’t tasted much success this season so far. They failed in the Nadkarni Cup and ended their Durand Cup sojourn without a win. The Mumbai team, known for it’s mean defense, would have dry out all the supply to the Mohameddan strikers.

Bimal Ghosh is known to come out with a strong team each year who stifle out their opposition and survive in the league. Air India would hope that their new foreign recruits come good.

Mohammedan certainly hold an edge for playing at home against a young Air India side and the game would be decided to how quickly the Kolkata side can find a way past the opposition back-line.

I-league TV Schedule

All Matches will be broadcasted exclusively on ZEE SPORTS .

FRIDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2008

3:30 PM I League - Vasco v Sporting Club de Goa – Goa Live
6:00 PM I League - Kingfisher EB v Chirag Utd – Kolkata Live
11:00 PM I League HL: 26Sep. Vasco v SCG

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2008

3:30 PM I League - Churchill Brothers v Mahindra United - Live
6:00 PM I League - Mohun Bagan v Mumbai FC - Kolkata Live

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2008

5:30 AM I League HL: 27Sep. CB v MU
3:30 PM I League - Dempo v JCT - Goa Live
11:00 PM I League HL: 27Sep. DEM v JCT

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008

6:00 PM I League-Mohammedan Sporting v Air India-Kolkata Live

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

6:00 PM ONGC I League – KEB v Mumbai FC-Kolkata Live

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 02, 2008

3:30 PM ONGC I League: Vasco v JCT - Goa Live

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 03, 2008

6:00 PM ONGC I League:Mohun Bagan v Air India-Kolkata Live

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2008

3:30 PM ONGC I League:Sporting Club de Goa v Moh-Goa Live

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2008
5:00 PM ONGC I League:Mohammedan Sporting – Mahindra United -कोल्कता Live

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, २००८
5:00 PM ONGC I League: Mohun Bagan v KEB (Kolkata) Live

Welcome to I-league 2008-09 season

Kingfisher’s East Bengal (KEB) will take on debutant Chirag United in the inaugural match in the second edition of the I-League football tournament at the Barasat Stadium in Kolkata on September 26.

On the opening day, Vasco will meet Sporting Clube de Goa (SCG) in Panaji, Goa, in another encounter, according to the draw released by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Monday.

So far, nine rounds of matches have been released and dates of the next two rounds will be decided after finalising an opponent for a friendly match for the national team.

The draw:

Round I: Sept 26: KEB vs Chirag (Barasat, Kolkata); Vasco vs SCG (Panaji, Goa), Sept 27: Mohun Bagan vs Mumbai FC (Barasat); Churchill Bros vs Mahindra Utd (Panaji), Sept 28: Mohd Sporting vs Air India (Barasat); Dempo vs JCT (Panaji).

Round II: Sept 30: KEB vs MFC (Barasat); Oct 2: Vasco vs JCT (Panaji); Oct 3: MB vs AI (Barasat); Oct 4: SCG vs MS (Panaji); MU vs Chirag (Mum); Oct 5: CB vs Dempo (Panaji)

Round III: Oct 11: JCT vs MS (Ludhiana); MU vs MFC (Mum); SCG vs MB (Panaji, Goa); Oct 12: Chirag vs CB (Barasat, Kol); AI vs KEB; Dempo vs Vasco (Panaji)

Round IV: Oct 18: JCT vs MU (Ludhiana); AI vs Chirag; KEB vs Vasco (Yuva Bharati Krirangana, Kolkata); MFC vs Dempo; Oct 19: MS vs MB (YBK); CB vs SCG (Panaji)

Round V: Oct 23: JCT vs Chirag (Ludhiana); Oct 24: MS vs MU (YBK); MFC vs SCG; Oct 25: MB vs KEB (YBK); Vasco vs CB (Panaji); Oct 26 : Dempo vs AI (Panaji)

Round VI: Oct 31: Dempo vs MB (Panaji); Nov 1: Chirag vs SCG (YBK); AI vs MFC; Vasco vs MU (Panaji); Nov 2: CB vs JCT (Panaji), MS vs KEB (YBK).

Round VII: Nov 7: KEB vs MU (YBK); Nov 8: MFC vs Vasco; Dempo vs SCG (Panaji); Chirag vs MS (YBK); Nov 9: MB vs CB (YBK); AI vs JCT

Round VIII: Nov 14: MS vs Vasco (YBK); MU vs AI; Nov 15: KEB vs SCG (YBK); CB vs MFC (Panaji); Nov 16: MB vs JCT (YBK); Dempo vs Chirag (Panaji)

Round IX: Nov 18: CB vs AI (Panaji); Nov 19: MU vs SCG; Nov 22: JCT vs KEB (Ludhiana); Nov 20: MS vs Dempo (YBK); Vasco vs MB (Panaji); Nov 21: Chirag vs MFC (YBK).